Rowdy had moved in about four days ago. You can imagine his surprise when he stepped out of the cab he had taken from the airport and found himself in Hell. Rowdy Stevenson had just been accepted into the doctoral program for folk lore and mythology at the local university. Previous to arriving on American soil, Rowdy had gotten his undergraduate and masters degrees in St. Andrews, Scotland. Upon receiving the acceptance at the university in Florida, he jumped online and found some affordable housing. Standing in front of the Paradise Apartments now he realized all too clearly that the website fucking lied.
But move in he did as he had already signed a year lease and he wasn't too keen on getting into a legal dispute over contracts. He spent two days scrubbing the shithole from floor to ceiling. He set up more roach traps than he had ever seen in his life, and used nearly an entire bottle of bleach on the bathroom alone. A little silver lining, he had found a job within walking distance of the apartments, so that was a positive. He had been walking home from Walmart and got recruited to audition for a job. The next day, he was hired as a bouncer during the week and as a dancer on ladies night at The Dog House strip club.
It was midmorning on his first Saturday here. He had already gone for a run and hit the gym for a bit. He was bored. Rowdy hated to be bored. He left his apartment and made his way down to the pool. "No swimming in this cesspool," he muttered with a sigh. He spotted a grill that was stuck in the ground by the pool. He inspected it and decided once he cleaned all the trash out of it, it might just be usable. Off to Walmart he scampered to get what he needed for a little pool side party.
Two hours later, he connected the Bluetooth of his phone to a small stereo he bought and turned up the music. He chose a mix of popular 80s and 90s music - minus that boy band shit. The grill was going with beef and chicken fajitas, with red, green, and yellow peppers, and onions simmering in a small frying pan in some garlic butter. The smell alone should tempt the tenants but, if food wasn't a good enough draw, Rowdy also had an ice chest full of cold beer.
But move in he did as he had already signed a year lease and he wasn't too keen on getting into a legal dispute over contracts. He spent two days scrubbing the shithole from floor to ceiling. He set up more roach traps than he had ever seen in his life, and used nearly an entire bottle of bleach on the bathroom alone. A little silver lining, he had found a job within walking distance of the apartments, so that was a positive. He had been walking home from Walmart and got recruited to audition for a job. The next day, he was hired as a bouncer during the week and as a dancer on ladies night at The Dog House strip club.
It was midmorning on his first Saturday here. He had already gone for a run and hit the gym for a bit. He was bored. Rowdy hated to be bored. He left his apartment and made his way down to the pool. "No swimming in this cesspool," he muttered with a sigh. He spotted a grill that was stuck in the ground by the pool. He inspected it and decided once he cleaned all the trash out of it, it might just be usable. Off to Walmart he scampered to get what he needed for a little pool side party.
Two hours later, he connected the Bluetooth of his phone to a small stereo he bought and turned up the music. He chose a mix of popular 80s and 90s music - minus that boy band shit. The grill was going with beef and chicken fajitas, with red, green, and yellow peppers, and onions simmering in a small frying pan in some garlic butter. The smell alone should tempt the tenants but, if food wasn't a good enough draw, Rowdy also had an ice chest full of cold beer.
Amelia Grace was a well known face. From starting in movies, and commercials, eventually all the way up to a regular television series, the young actress seemed to have it all. Until a very public scandal in the last season of her show, “The Secret Six”, had caused Amelia to become extremely disenchanted with the entire franchise, and by nature, extremely bitter.
The cast had headed out to Florida to shoot the final few scenes of the finale, but it was nothing but harsh comments, fights, and a test of Amelia’s temper. Finally, that temper exploded. The brunette came unglued at her fellow co-stars, producers and basically everyone that was standing on set. The fight lasted well over 30 minutes, with every accusation flying her way, and Amelia screaming at them right back. The set was eventually shut down, and the actors were sent to cool off for a while.
Amelia, however, was done. She was done with the life, the filming, the people, the rumours, and with her fast flying emotions, she made a very quick, and for her, easy decision. Amelia stormed to her trailer, grabbed her phone and bag, then off set, and found the first cab that was parked along the sidewalk. She climbed in the back of it, and after a very quick search on her phone, decided to head to a place called “Paradise Apartments.” She had more than enough money on her to cover the down payment, first and last, really whatever they needed, and getting more money would be not at all an issue. She just wanted to be elsewhere.
Of course, it likely didn’t help her that she was still in her costume, a very recognizable piece to anyone who knew the show, and as it had a literal international following, she knew this wouldn’t be easy. She had the driver go to the local Wal-Mart, and avoiding everyone she could like the plague, another task that wasn’t at all easy, she bought some other clothes, and a little bit of easy food. She bought the clothes, then changed into them, but was immediately annoyed because the quality of them was quite low, and the shirt made her entirely itchy.
Knowing this was about the best she could do at a run, she stuffed her costume into the bag, and that bag into another bag to hide it. She moved through the store, pulling on a hoodie she had bought, and pulling the hood over her dark hair. She climbed into another cab, and completed the short journey to the apartment building. She almost gagged the second she stepped out of the cab, horrified at the sight before her. ’This? This is the apartment?’ She thought quickly as she fought back a whimper. She found the main office, and knowing this would never be a place they would look for her, she signed the contract.
Stepping back out, Amelia tried to adjust as she walked back to her new apartment. As she walked by, an incredible smell hit her, along with the small thump of music. Curious of both of these, Amelia changed her track momentarily to find the curious sounds. Located by the pool was a smoking grill, and a tall, rather beautiful man. Her eyes scanned him a time or two, then moved over to the grill he was using. The smell from it was so tempting, and her stomach gave a little growl, but she wanted to see the apartment first. If he looked, she gave him a small smile, but continued to make her way up the stairs. Opening the door to the apartment caused Amelia’s senses to go absolutely bezerk, and when she saw something move in the corner, the scream she’d been holding in since leaving the set finally burst from her. Pure terror left Amelia’s mouth as, like a complete and total girl, she skittered backwards out of the apartment, screaming about ‘something moving!’
The cast had headed out to Florida to shoot the final few scenes of the finale, but it was nothing but harsh comments, fights, and a test of Amelia’s temper. Finally, that temper exploded. The brunette came unglued at her fellow co-stars, producers and basically everyone that was standing on set. The fight lasted well over 30 minutes, with every accusation flying her way, and Amelia screaming at them right back. The set was eventually shut down, and the actors were sent to cool off for a while.
Amelia, however, was done. She was done with the life, the filming, the people, the rumours, and with her fast flying emotions, she made a very quick, and for her, easy decision. Amelia stormed to her trailer, grabbed her phone and bag, then off set, and found the first cab that was parked along the sidewalk. She climbed in the back of it, and after a very quick search on her phone, decided to head to a place called “Paradise Apartments.” She had more than enough money on her to cover the down payment, first and last, really whatever they needed, and getting more money would be not at all an issue. She just wanted to be elsewhere.
Of course, it likely didn’t help her that she was still in her costume, a very recognizable piece to anyone who knew the show, and as it had a literal international following, she knew this wouldn’t be easy. She had the driver go to the local Wal-Mart, and avoiding everyone she could like the plague, another task that wasn’t at all easy, she bought some other clothes, and a little bit of easy food. She bought the clothes, then changed into them, but was immediately annoyed because the quality of them was quite low, and the shirt made her entirely itchy.
Knowing this was about the best she could do at a run, she stuffed her costume into the bag, and that bag into another bag to hide it. She moved through the store, pulling on a hoodie she had bought, and pulling the hood over her dark hair. She climbed into another cab, and completed the short journey to the apartment building. She almost gagged the second she stepped out of the cab, horrified at the sight before her. ’This? This is the apartment?’ She thought quickly as she fought back a whimper. She found the main office, and knowing this would never be a place they would look for her, she signed the contract.
Stepping back out, Amelia tried to adjust as she walked back to her new apartment. As she walked by, an incredible smell hit her, along with the small thump of music. Curious of both of these, Amelia changed her track momentarily to find the curious sounds. Located by the pool was a smoking grill, and a tall, rather beautiful man. Her eyes scanned him a time or two, then moved over to the grill he was using. The smell from it was so tempting, and her stomach gave a little growl, but she wanted to see the apartment first. If he looked, she gave him a small smile, but continued to make her way up the stairs. Opening the door to the apartment caused Amelia’s senses to go absolutely bezerk, and when she saw something move in the corner, the scream she’d been holding in since leaving the set finally burst from her. Pure terror left Amelia’s mouth as, like a complete and total girl, she skittered backwards out of the apartment, screaming about ‘something moving!’
Julie trudged through the front door, her shoulders slumped and her eyes heavy with exhaustion. The long day at the office had taken its toll on her body, mentally draining her with the constant pile of work that seemed to never end. It wasn't that she hated her job - quite the opposite, she genuinely enjoyed her role as a secretary. But the relentless stream of tasks that flowed onto her desk was starting to wear her down.
Despite the chaos that often surrounded her, Julie was a consummate professional. She took pride in her work, ensuring that every detail was meticulously organized and every task was completed to the highest standard. Her schedule was always neatly arranged, her meeting presentations were clear and concise, and she reviewed every contract with a hawk's eye, making sure that every "i" was dotted and every "t" was crossed.
But despite her tireless efforts, Julie couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. No matter how hard she worked, no matter how diligently she attended to every task, she never seemed to receive the recognition she deserved. A simple "thank you" would have gone a long way in boosting her morale, but it seemed like an impossible ask in the chaotic world of the office.
As she dropped her bag onto the floor and kicked off her shoes, Julie couldn't help but wonder if anyone even noticed the effort she put into her work. Did her colleagues appreciate the late nights she spent reviewing reports, or the early mornings she arrived at the office to get a head start on the day's tasks? Did her boss even realize the countless hours she spent ensuring that the office ran smoothly, like a well-oiled machine?
The lack of recognition was starting to take its toll on Julie's motivation. She felt like she was just going through the motions, completing task after task without any sense of purpose or fulfillment. She longed for someone to acknowledge her hard work, to tell her that she was doing a great job and that her efforts were appreciated. But until that day came, Julie would continue to trudge through her work, fueled by her own sense of dedication and duty, but secretly hoping that someone, somewhere, would notice her efforts and say those two simple words: "thank you".
Julie let out a deep sigh and tilted her neck to one side, feeling the familiar crack of tension release. She rubbed her tired neck and head, yearning for the comfort of her bed. Her room, number 3 in the Paradise apartment complex, was her sanctuary, and she couldn't wait to collapse onto the soft mattress.
Just as she was about to surrender to her fatigue, Julie's stomach growled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten all day, or precisely, hadn't had a proper meal. She sat back up, her senses suddenly alert, and caught a whiff of something delicious - the unmistakable aroma of grilled beef, onions, and peppers. Her mouth began to water, and she wondered who could be cooking up such a feast. The smell seemed to be coming from near the pool, which was conveniently located just outside her downstairs apartment.
As she pondered the source of the tantalizing scent, a loud scream pierced the air, coming from upstairs. Julie's instincts kicked in, and she quickly sprang into action, rushing out of her room and up the stairs to investigate. She found a woman, whom she hardly knew, standing in the doorway of her apartment, looking frantic.
"Hey, are you okay?" Julie asked, concern etched on her face. The woman, Amelia, was clearly shaken, and Julie quickly scanned the room to determine the cause of her distress. That's when she spotted it - a small mouse scurrying across the floor. Having dealt with her fair share of rodents, quickly grabbed a broom from outside and bravely shooed the creature out of Amelia's room.
As the mouse scurried away, Julie let out a sigh of relief and turned to Amelia. "Look out!" she warned, as the mouse made a final dash for freedom. "Good thing it was just a little guy. Well, I think you might have to get used to it." Julie smiled and extended her hand to Amelia. "My name is Julie, by the way. I'm the one living downstairs."
"Now, about that BBQ smell... want to check it out with me? I'm kind of hungry, actually." She nodded towards the stairs, and once they were down where they found a guy expertly grilling up a storm, Julie's stomach growled in anticipation as they approached the tantalizing aroma.
"Were you celebrating something?" Julie asked at Rowdy.
Despite the chaos that often surrounded her, Julie was a consummate professional. She took pride in her work, ensuring that every detail was meticulously organized and every task was completed to the highest standard. Her schedule was always neatly arranged, her meeting presentations were clear and concise, and she reviewed every contract with a hawk's eye, making sure that every "i" was dotted and every "t" was crossed.
But despite her tireless efforts, Julie couldn't help but feel a sense of frustration. No matter how hard she worked, no matter how diligently she attended to every task, she never seemed to receive the recognition she deserved. A simple "thank you" would have gone a long way in boosting her morale, but it seemed like an impossible ask in the chaotic world of the office.
As she dropped her bag onto the floor and kicked off her shoes, Julie couldn't help but wonder if anyone even noticed the effort she put into her work. Did her colleagues appreciate the late nights she spent reviewing reports, or the early mornings she arrived at the office to get a head start on the day's tasks? Did her boss even realize the countless hours she spent ensuring that the office ran smoothly, like a well-oiled machine?
The lack of recognition was starting to take its toll on Julie's motivation. She felt like she was just going through the motions, completing task after task without any sense of purpose or fulfillment. She longed for someone to acknowledge her hard work, to tell her that she was doing a great job and that her efforts were appreciated. But until that day came, Julie would continue to trudge through her work, fueled by her own sense of dedication and duty, but secretly hoping that someone, somewhere, would notice her efforts and say those two simple words: "thank you".
Julie let out a deep sigh and tilted her neck to one side, feeling the familiar crack of tension release. She rubbed her tired neck and head, yearning for the comfort of her bed. Her room, number 3 in the Paradise apartment complex, was her sanctuary, and she couldn't wait to collapse onto the soft mattress.
Just as she was about to surrender to her fatigue, Julie's stomach growled, reminding her that she hadn't eaten all day, or precisely, hadn't had a proper meal. She sat back up, her senses suddenly alert, and caught a whiff of something delicious - the unmistakable aroma of grilled beef, onions, and peppers. Her mouth began to water, and she wondered who could be cooking up such a feast. The smell seemed to be coming from near the pool, which was conveniently located just outside her downstairs apartment.
As she pondered the source of the tantalizing scent, a loud scream pierced the air, coming from upstairs. Julie's instincts kicked in, and she quickly sprang into action, rushing out of her room and up the stairs to investigate. She found a woman, whom she hardly knew, standing in the doorway of her apartment, looking frantic.
"Hey, are you okay?" Julie asked, concern etched on her face. The woman, Amelia, was clearly shaken, and Julie quickly scanned the room to determine the cause of her distress. That's when she spotted it - a small mouse scurrying across the floor. Having dealt with her fair share of rodents, quickly grabbed a broom from outside and bravely shooed the creature out of Amelia's room.
As the mouse scurried away, Julie let out a sigh of relief and turned to Amelia. "Look out!" she warned, as the mouse made a final dash for freedom. "Good thing it was just a little guy. Well, I think you might have to get used to it." Julie smiled and extended her hand to Amelia. "My name is Julie, by the way. I'm the one living downstairs."
"Now, about that BBQ smell... want to check it out with me? I'm kind of hungry, actually." She nodded towards the stairs, and once they were down where they found a guy expertly grilling up a storm, Julie's stomach growled in anticipation as they approached the tantalizing aroma.
"Were you celebrating something?" Julie asked at Rowdy.
Rowdy was dancing subtly in front of the grill as he tended to the savory offerings to his new neighbors. He was a social butterfly and liked to recognize faces when he saw them around. To call him nosy would be an inaccurate statement, but he was always down for some gossip. As he swayed to a song, he noticed a woman walk by the pool. He saw her look his way and then at the grill. Her smile was dazzling, there was something about her eyes and he smiled back. He said welcomingly, “Hey! Come get some food if you want. I have a lot.” Despite getting his degrees in Scotland he did not have a Scottish accent. Rowdy had spent most of his adolescent years in the Caribbean and Scotland had just been a good place to go to school, at the time.
He had just been squishing half a lime over the chicken to give it a little zing, when he heard a scream. Rowdy reacted, his knees bending as his fists balled and pulled back against his chest in a defensive position. His eyes searched for the source of the scream and saw the woman that had just smiled at him backing out of the apartment. Rowdy, having been here a few days and seeing the type of people that were around, immediately was concerned about a squatter in her apartment. He was torn between going to her aid and leaving his food to burn or just trying to give comfort from afar, so his efforts didn’t go up in flames.
Luckily, he saw a woman come out of an apartment right by the pool and go respond to the lady’s screams. He watched, more curious about what was happening than the food, but still paying enough attention that nothing burned. He finished squeezing the lime over the chicken as the lady (Julie) disappeared into the apartment. He grabbed the flank steak with some tongs and flipped it, using the other half of the lime over the beef to help tenderize the tough piece of meat. He looked up again at the scene of the screaming as the rescuer reappeared with a broom. The heroine (Amelia) of the moment seemed relieved and he couldn’t help but laugh softly to himself. He heard the word ‘mouse’ on the wind and would have to remember to put mouse traps on his grocery list.
His head turned as a smile spread on Rowdy’s face as he was joined by the pool. “No special occasion. Just felt like being outside and cooking something. I’m trying to get to know people.” He then set the half lime and tongs down, wiped his hands on the hem of his t-shirt, and offered her a handshake. “I’m Rowdy,” he said confidently and welcomingly. If the heroine chose to come with the hero, he would offer her his hand as well.
“I think, in honor of your heroic efforts, you deserve a drink.” He was being goofy and trying to put a smile on the girls faces. “I have an ice chest full of stuff. Take what you like. The food should be done soon.” He then addressed the screamer (if she came down), “You could probably use a drink too. Calm those nerves.” He smiled then, “You got a set of pipes on you, though. It was like one of those screams you hear in a horror movie.”
He had just been squishing half a lime over the chicken to give it a little zing, when he heard a scream. Rowdy reacted, his knees bending as his fists balled and pulled back against his chest in a defensive position. His eyes searched for the source of the scream and saw the woman that had just smiled at him backing out of the apartment. Rowdy, having been here a few days and seeing the type of people that were around, immediately was concerned about a squatter in her apartment. He was torn between going to her aid and leaving his food to burn or just trying to give comfort from afar, so his efforts didn’t go up in flames.
Luckily, he saw a woman come out of an apartment right by the pool and go respond to the lady’s screams. He watched, more curious about what was happening than the food, but still paying enough attention that nothing burned. He finished squeezing the lime over the chicken as the lady (Julie) disappeared into the apartment. He grabbed the flank steak with some tongs and flipped it, using the other half of the lime over the beef to help tenderize the tough piece of meat. He looked up again at the scene of the screaming as the rescuer reappeared with a broom. The heroine (Amelia) of the moment seemed relieved and he couldn’t help but laugh softly to himself. He heard the word ‘mouse’ on the wind and would have to remember to put mouse traps on his grocery list.
His head turned as a smile spread on Rowdy’s face as he was joined by the pool. “No special occasion. Just felt like being outside and cooking something. I’m trying to get to know people.” He then set the half lime and tongs down, wiped his hands on the hem of his t-shirt, and offered her a handshake. “I’m Rowdy,” he said confidently and welcomingly. If the heroine chose to come with the hero, he would offer her his hand as well.
“I think, in honor of your heroic efforts, you deserve a drink.” He was being goofy and trying to put a smile on the girls faces. “I have an ice chest full of stuff. Take what you like. The food should be done soon.” He then addressed the screamer (if she came down), “You could probably use a drink too. Calm those nerves.” He smiled then, “You got a set of pipes on you, though. It was like one of those screams you hear in a horror movie.”
Sadie arrived at Paradise Apartments in the middle of the morning, as she pulled up she let out a curse and made a call, as the recipient answered, she said, "You're dead, my dear brother", not giving him a chance to speak and hung up. She then thought to herself, You only have to make it a year for schooling, as to reassure herself that she can make it through and has survived far worse. Sadie only needed to finish her masters in Finance, Entrepreneurship, Management, International Business, and Supply Chain Management. All to which she could have finished in her old college, but she wanted a change of pace and scenery, so here she was in the middle of no where in what looks like murders occur on a daily basis.
As she looked at the rat hole that her brother purchased for her, she got out of her vehicle and went to what should be the front office so she could pick up keys to her apartment, which took an hour to get a hold of anyone. After she was done, Sadie went back to her SUV to grab a few things as she took notice of her surroundings and the residents, well the ones she had seen so far. She started dragging her suitcases along with her, when a intoxicating smell hit her nose which made her stomach growl so loud that it could possibly be heard on Mars. Her cheeks turned Inferno red and she looked around, hoping no one heard that. She saw a handsome guy by the barbecue pit of the pool area just grilling away with a beer in his hand and 80s music playing. She smiled and was about to ask if she could join after bringing her stuff to her apartment hoping he said yes, but there was a blood curdling scream from above that made her lose her train of thought, which made Sadie become on high alert and looking around.
A few seconds later she saw a women run past her and up the stairs to the second level, she heard something from above and then chattering and soon there were two more people coming back down (if Amelia came down with Julie), one of which was the one that just ran upstairs. I bet it was the second one that made that noise, she thought to herself. She looked back over to the man barbecuing, Sadie waved, smiled then spoke, "Hello, mate. My name is Sadie and that smells delicious! Do you mind if I join when I finish taking my things upstairs? Or will that be interrupting anything? I don't mind pitching in. I am just new here." She had asked sweetly and waited for his reply, then she heard the Julie one ask him if he was celebrating something. She smiled at the women and introduced herself to her new neighbors, then proceeded to finding her apartment number.
Sadie found the right one and began to unlock the apartment. The first thought was that her brother will suffer when she sees him again and the next was that she had to get paint followed with a lot of cleaning supplies. Though she did not see anything live running around, but the dust build up and fumes from the graffiti covered walls were overwhelming and aggravated her sharp senses. "Well, this just is just my luck." She sarcastically mumbled to herself. Sadie wouldn't be bringing anything else into the apartment until tomorrow, when the apartment has been thoroughly fumigated and cleaned. So, she had two choices; one, to sleep in her SUV another night or two, use a sleeping bag on the floor, after at least dusting the place up and airing it out. She would decide this later on.
As she left the suitcases in her apartment, she went back downstairs and over to the pool area, hoping to at least make some new friends and whatever else may come. "So, how about that beer? I think I may need one now." She jokingly said, as she joined the group by the pool.
As she looked at the rat hole that her brother purchased for her, she got out of her vehicle and went to what should be the front office so she could pick up keys to her apartment, which took an hour to get a hold of anyone. After she was done, Sadie went back to her SUV to grab a few things as she took notice of her surroundings and the residents, well the ones she had seen so far. She started dragging her suitcases along with her, when a intoxicating smell hit her nose which made her stomach growl so loud that it could possibly be heard on Mars. Her cheeks turned Inferno red and she looked around, hoping no one heard that. She saw a handsome guy by the barbecue pit of the pool area just grilling away with a beer in his hand and 80s music playing. She smiled and was about to ask if she could join after bringing her stuff to her apartment hoping he said yes, but there was a blood curdling scream from above that made her lose her train of thought, which made Sadie become on high alert and looking around.
A few seconds later she saw a women run past her and up the stairs to the second level, she heard something from above and then chattering and soon there were two more people coming back down (if Amelia came down with Julie), one of which was the one that just ran upstairs. I bet it was the second one that made that noise, she thought to herself. She looked back over to the man barbecuing, Sadie waved, smiled then spoke, "Hello, mate. My name is Sadie and that smells delicious! Do you mind if I join when I finish taking my things upstairs? Or will that be interrupting anything? I don't mind pitching in. I am just new here." She had asked sweetly and waited for his reply, then she heard the Julie one ask him if he was celebrating something. She smiled at the women and introduced herself to her new neighbors, then proceeded to finding her apartment number.
Sadie found the right one and began to unlock the apartment. The first thought was that her brother will suffer when she sees him again and the next was that she had to get paint followed with a lot of cleaning supplies. Though she did not see anything live running around, but the dust build up and fumes from the graffiti covered walls were overwhelming and aggravated her sharp senses. "Well, this just is just my luck." She sarcastically mumbled to herself. Sadie wouldn't be bringing anything else into the apartment until tomorrow, when the apartment has been thoroughly fumigated and cleaned. So, she had two choices; one, to sleep in her SUV another night or two, use a sleeping bag on the floor, after at least dusting the place up and airing it out. She would decide this later on.
As she left the suitcases in her apartment, she went back downstairs and over to the pool area, hoping to at least make some new friends and whatever else may come. "So, how about that beer? I think I may need one now." She jokingly said, as she joined the group by the pool.
Amelia hadn’t meant to let out a scream. Especially one that loud and that long. Her nature allowed her voice to project even further and farther than a normal humans, a trait she usually forgot about. She had been startled and shocked by the movement, by the apartment, but she should’ve thought about the way the scream would sound. She was also probably lucky she hadn’t had a…different reaction, as her nature was also not that of a normal humans. But over her years in Hollywood, she had learned and perfected how to act like one.
She hadn’t even realized it, being in the middle of a scream, but another woman had appeared in the midst of her chaos. The woman, Julie, appeared in her vision, and it was enough to stop the scream. Moments later, Julie had reappeared with a broom to chase the offending critter out. Amelia scampered backwards as the little creature moved out of the apartment. “Used to it?! Used to it?!” Amelia repeated, in a voice that sounded much closer to a cry than a voice.
She could go back to set, she thought. She had more than the money to back out of this, and she had the lawyer to get her out of the legal binding, but….that would be proving something to herself that she hadn’t known yet. Terrified now of what else she might be finding in her apartment, she backed the hell away from it, and started debating buying a fucking car she could sleep in. She then understood that it was her emotions that were all over the place, and to think clearly, she needed to calm them down.
Her hazel gaze moved back to the other woman’s face as she offered her name. The woman didn’t seem to recognize that Amelia was indeed an international superstar, something she found almost refreshing right in that moment. “Lia. Lia Carol. And Uhm. Thank you. Thank you a lot.” Carol was actually her middle name, but Amelia Grace was a little too obvious at the moment. Plus, after all, she was in hiding. At the mention of the food downstairs, Amelia nodded. “Uhm, yeah. Sure. Sounds good.”
Glancing nearly fearfully back at her apartment, she followed Julie back down the stairs, where two other people stood. The guy who was grilling, and another woman. Their names, her ears heard, were Rowdy and Sadie. When Rowdy addressed her, and asked if she wanted a drink, she gave a small, but somewhat sad smile. “Sorry about….that. That doesn’t….usually happen. I guess I’m not used to…all this yet. I’m Lia, your weird new screaming neighbour.”
She went to poke at the beer cooler after, if, he had spoken back, as she felt the privilege that had been her life crash down on her head. Nothing in here would actually get her drunk, even if she drank every drop, but she could drink it even if for appearances. Once she located it, her head turned towards the third woman, who she hadn’t interacted with yet as she had been wandering around or speaking to someone else. But when she was free, Amelia sent a smile her way as well. “Hi. Lia. Sadie, I think you said? Lovely to meet all of you, truly. And thank you for not laughing too hard.”
She hadn’t even realized it, being in the middle of a scream, but another woman had appeared in the midst of her chaos. The woman, Julie, appeared in her vision, and it was enough to stop the scream. Moments later, Julie had reappeared with a broom to chase the offending critter out. Amelia scampered backwards as the little creature moved out of the apartment. “Used to it?! Used to it?!” Amelia repeated, in a voice that sounded much closer to a cry than a voice.
She could go back to set, she thought. She had more than the money to back out of this, and she had the lawyer to get her out of the legal binding, but….that would be proving something to herself that she hadn’t known yet. Terrified now of what else she might be finding in her apartment, she backed the hell away from it, and started debating buying a fucking car she could sleep in. She then understood that it was her emotions that were all over the place, and to think clearly, she needed to calm them down.
Her hazel gaze moved back to the other woman’s face as she offered her name. The woman didn’t seem to recognize that Amelia was indeed an international superstar, something she found almost refreshing right in that moment. “Lia. Lia Carol. And Uhm. Thank you. Thank you a lot.” Carol was actually her middle name, but Amelia Grace was a little too obvious at the moment. Plus, after all, she was in hiding. At the mention of the food downstairs, Amelia nodded. “Uhm, yeah. Sure. Sounds good.”
Glancing nearly fearfully back at her apartment, she followed Julie back down the stairs, where two other people stood. The guy who was grilling, and another woman. Their names, her ears heard, were Rowdy and Sadie. When Rowdy addressed her, and asked if she wanted a drink, she gave a small, but somewhat sad smile. “Sorry about….that. That doesn’t….usually happen. I guess I’m not used to…all this yet. I’m Lia, your weird new screaming neighbour.”
She went to poke at the beer cooler after, if, he had spoken back, as she felt the privilege that had been her life crash down on her head. Nothing in here would actually get her drunk, even if she drank every drop, but she could drink it even if for appearances. Once she located it, her head turned towards the third woman, who she hadn’t interacted with yet as she had been wandering around or speaking to someone else. But when she was free, Amelia sent a smile her way as well. “Hi. Lia. Sadie, I think you said? Lovely to meet all of you, truly. And thank you for not laughing too hard.”
"I think I’m just helping a new resident." Julie said with a playful smile when Rowdy joked about chasing away a mouse being a heroic deed. "But, yeah, I definitely need a drink." With that, she made her way to the ice chest, pulled out a cold beer, and twisted her heels to face Sadie and Amelia, who had just arrived."Hi Sadie, I'm Julie."
"I live in room number 3." she pointed out, indicating the unit directly across from the pool. "You all must be new here; I don’t think I’ve seen your faces around before." Although Julie was not one of the long-time tenants herself, she had gotten to know most of the residents in the apartment complex over her time there. When Lia joined them, Julie instinctively positioned herself between Lia and Sadie. There was something about Lia’s face that seemed familiar, yet Julie couldn’t quite place her. Unlike others who spent time watching movies and keeping up with the latest celebrity news, Julie was consumed by her work. Her busy schedule left little room for dating, let alone having a boyfriend who might want to take her out for dinner or to the movies.
Despite the nagging feeling that she had seen Lia somewhere before—perhaps in a brochure, on a poster, or in a magazine—Julie chose not to dwell on it for the moment.
"Honestly, I think the upstairs apartments are safer from pests." Julie commented, glancing at Rowdy, Sadie, and Lia. "As for my place, well, it has its share of visitors—rodents, roaches, maybe even a ghost or two. Not that I want to scare you guys, but I've kind of gotten used to it." She shrugged nonchalantly, a hint of humor in her tone. "The rent is cheap, so what can you expect? At least I’m only home long enough to sleep and take a shower."
"I live in room number 3." she pointed out, indicating the unit directly across from the pool. "You all must be new here; I don’t think I’ve seen your faces around before." Although Julie was not one of the long-time tenants herself, she had gotten to know most of the residents in the apartment complex over her time there. When Lia joined them, Julie instinctively positioned herself between Lia and Sadie. There was something about Lia’s face that seemed familiar, yet Julie couldn’t quite place her. Unlike others who spent time watching movies and keeping up with the latest celebrity news, Julie was consumed by her work. Her busy schedule left little room for dating, let alone having a boyfriend who might want to take her out for dinner or to the movies.
Despite the nagging feeling that she had seen Lia somewhere before—perhaps in a brochure, on a poster, or in a magazine—Julie chose not to dwell on it for the moment.
"Honestly, I think the upstairs apartments are safer from pests." Julie commented, glancing at Rowdy, Sadie, and Lia. "As for my place, well, it has its share of visitors—rodents, roaches, maybe even a ghost or two. Not that I want to scare you guys, but I've kind of gotten used to it." She shrugged nonchalantly, a hint of humor in her tone. "The rent is cheap, so what can you expect? At least I’m only home long enough to sleep and take a shower."
A few people walked by Rowdy on their way to their apartments but he wasn't sure if any of them were actually going to join him. For a minute he wondered if he was making all this food for himself. But before he could worry too much about that he was joined by a blond bombshell named Sadie. "Beer is in the cooler and food will be ready soon." He eyed her politely, "You're new here, too? I just moved in a few days ago." He leaned in conspiratorially and asked in a whisper, "Was your place trashed, too?" He gave her some space as he chuckled, "I had to scrub my place for two days before I moved my stuff in. It's not too bad in there now."
As he was mentioning scrubbing his apartment for two days, they were joined by Lia and, he overheard Julie introduce herself to Sadie. Rowdy let out a good-natured laugh at Lia's comment about being the screaming neighbor. "We share a paper thin wall, Lia. I hope you don't scream like that all the time."
He then went back to the grill and checked the chicken breasts and the flank steak. He gave the peppers and onions a stir in the pan and deemed them perfectly caramelized. He grabbed a paper plate and some foil. He wrapped the foil around the plate and dumped the peppers and onions onto the foil on the plate, he then folded the foil around the peppers and onions to keep them warm as he finished everything else up. He placed the pan back on the grill and grabbed a bag of tortillas. He took out a few tortillas and placed them in the pan to warm them.
As he cooked he overheard Julie mention ghosts. "Seriously?! This place is haunted?!" There was a note of excitement for the possibility. "Let's get drunk and ghost hunt tonight!" He might be the only one interested, but he thought it sounded fun. He went back to the grill and brushed the chicken with a garlic, lime clarified butter mixture he had made when it hit him. He glanced over his shoulder at the girls all chatting, "Can one of you run up to my apartment, I left the sour cream and cheese in the fridge so it wouldn't spoil in the sun. It's apartment 23." He reached into his right pocket and tossed his keys to whomever volunteered to go up to his apartment.
For a young, single guy Rowdy was very clean. His efforts on scrubbing the apartment from floor to ceiling showed. His furniture was nothing flashy. Just a very comfortable looking couch and the typical recliner most bachelors had. On the coffee table he had books of poetry and mythology.
As he was mentioning scrubbing his apartment for two days, they were joined by Lia and, he overheard Julie introduce herself to Sadie. Rowdy let out a good-natured laugh at Lia's comment about being the screaming neighbor. "We share a paper thin wall, Lia. I hope you don't scream like that all the time."
He then went back to the grill and checked the chicken breasts and the flank steak. He gave the peppers and onions a stir in the pan and deemed them perfectly caramelized. He grabbed a paper plate and some foil. He wrapped the foil around the plate and dumped the peppers and onions onto the foil on the plate, he then folded the foil around the peppers and onions to keep them warm as he finished everything else up. He placed the pan back on the grill and grabbed a bag of tortillas. He took out a few tortillas and placed them in the pan to warm them.
As he cooked he overheard Julie mention ghosts. "Seriously?! This place is haunted?!" There was a note of excitement for the possibility. "Let's get drunk and ghost hunt tonight!" He might be the only one interested, but he thought it sounded fun. He went back to the grill and brushed the chicken with a garlic, lime clarified butter mixture he had made when it hit him. He glanced over his shoulder at the girls all chatting, "Can one of you run up to my apartment, I left the sour cream and cheese in the fridge so it wouldn't spoil in the sun. It's apartment 23." He reached into his right pocket and tossed his keys to whomever volunteered to go up to his apartment.
For a young, single guy Rowdy was very clean. His efforts on scrubbing the apartment from floor to ceiling showed. His furniture was nothing flashy. Just a very comfortable looking couch and the typical recliner most bachelors had. On the coffee table he had books of poetry and mythology.
Amelia’s nerves were already pretty shattered, but she was doing okay so far. She came down the stairs, introduced herself, and had selected a beer for her to sip on. She waited around for a minute, but then looked wide eyed and a little horrified at Julie as she mentioned both rodents and roaches. That kind of made Lia want to cry, and she stuck the beer bottle in her mouth to avoid such a display. She was starting to question whether or not she could actually do this, and the statement from Rowdy made her sigh, and with a slight smile, she replied; “Only in the cases of rodents and roaches. Though on that note, does anyone happen to know the closest place to buy a car?”
Because she was genuinely considering just sleeping in her car, when she got one. She realized she was probably being hyper-critical of the situation, and tried to let herself relax as she flexed her fingers nervously around the bottle. Although the mention of getting drunk and ghost hunting was not the worst suggestion she had ever heard, but booze for her was a little bit different than she was currently holding. She looked around to Sadie and Julie, looking at both to see what their reactions were, and then back at Rowdy. “I’m not against ghost hunting. Or maybe it’s the getting drunk part, but either way, I’m there. Ladies?.” Lia tilted the bottle towards him, then looked around at the other two.
Rowdy then asked if someone would mind running up to his apartment to grab some things from the fridge. She glanced at the other two, but then stepped forward a step or two. “I can, I don’t mind.” The very nature of her locked onto the shiny keys moving towards her, which she caught with all the giddiness of gold. It was only a moment, but she nodded before she turned and moved back up the stairs. She eyed her door with suspicion, but used the shiny keys to unlock the door next to hers. The contrast between apartments was shocking. She could smell the clean within this apartment, and her mouth opened slightly at the sparkle this place had. She also noted the books, poetry surprising her the most. She smiled for a moment before remembering her task.
Quickly, she grabbed the requested items, as soon as she figured out which one was which, used to having all of this brought to her rather than her getting it, but she gathered it up, and relocked his apartment after taking another long scan around it. As she headed back down with the items, she walked over to Rowdy, and couldn’t help but ask; “How is yours so clean?!” And she asked this question in genuine confusion.
Because she was genuinely considering just sleeping in her car, when she got one. She realized she was probably being hyper-critical of the situation, and tried to let herself relax as she flexed her fingers nervously around the bottle. Although the mention of getting drunk and ghost hunting was not the worst suggestion she had ever heard, but booze for her was a little bit different than she was currently holding. She looked around to Sadie and Julie, looking at both to see what their reactions were, and then back at Rowdy. “I’m not against ghost hunting. Or maybe it’s the getting drunk part, but either way, I’m there. Ladies?.” Lia tilted the bottle towards him, then looked around at the other two.
Rowdy then asked if someone would mind running up to his apartment to grab some things from the fridge. She glanced at the other two, but then stepped forward a step or two. “I can, I don’t mind.” The very nature of her locked onto the shiny keys moving towards her, which she caught with all the giddiness of gold. It was only a moment, but she nodded before she turned and moved back up the stairs. She eyed her door with suspicion, but used the shiny keys to unlock the door next to hers. The contrast between apartments was shocking. She could smell the clean within this apartment, and her mouth opened slightly at the sparkle this place had. She also noted the books, poetry surprising her the most. She smiled for a moment before remembering her task.
Quickly, she grabbed the requested items, as soon as she figured out which one was which, used to having all of this brought to her rather than her getting it, but she gathered it up, and relocked his apartment after taking another long scan around it. As she headed back down with the items, she walked over to Rowdy, and couldn’t help but ask; “How is yours so clean?!” And she asked this question in genuine confusion.
Julie raised an eyebrow in amusement as Rowdy enthusiastically shared his idea of going ghost hunting. She tilted her head towards the girls, expecting to see a mixture of reactions on their faces. Perhaps because Rowdy was still so young, he was drawn to the thrill and adrenaline that came with exploring the paranormal. On the other hand, she had her fair share of dealing with creatures she could see in her line of work, and the thought of encountering ones she couldn't see was not exactly appealing.
"There is a second hand car dealership just few blocks from here." She replied to Lia. "And I think I'll pass." Julie said with a chuckle to Rowdy, taking a sip of her beer. "I've had enough of dealing with creatures I can see from work. I don't want to deal with more creatures that I can't see." Her tone was laced with humor, and she glanced at Lia and Sadie, curious to see if they would join Rowdy on his ghost-hunting adventure. Though it seemed that Lia was not really against the idea of ghost hunting. Sadie would probably up for that too, knowing that she looks so young and young people loves the adrenaline.
As she waited for Rowdy to finish grilling the chicken, Julie's attention was drawn to the savory aroma wafting from the grill. The sound of the sizzling chicken and the mixture of garlic and butter had her stomach growling with anticipation. She waited patiently, hoping that Rowdy would soon be done and share the delicious meal with the girls.
As Julie watched Amelia volunteered herself to catch the keys and to go upstairs, she was off. Julie couldn't help but hope that there weren't any more unwanted critters lurking in the apartment, waiting to make an appearance. Amelia would had had enough surprises for one day.
Turning her attention to Sadie, Julie's curiosity got the better of her. "So, are you a college student?" she asked, her eyes locked on Sadie's, awaiting a response.
But before Sadie could reply, Amelia joined back with, having completed her mission to retrieve the sour cream and cheese that was they needed from Rowdy's room. Julie was struck by how quickly Amelia had moved, wondering if she was naturally a fast walker or if she had simply hurried through her task.
With Amelia's return, Julie's attention shifted to the grilling station, where Rowdy was busy prepping the food. "Can I help you with grilling those anyway?" Julie asked, moving to stand beside Rowdy and eyeing the sizzling chicken. She was eager to lend a hand and be a part of the cooking process.
"There is a second hand car dealership just few blocks from here." She replied to Lia. "And I think I'll pass." Julie said with a chuckle to Rowdy, taking a sip of her beer. "I've had enough of dealing with creatures I can see from work. I don't want to deal with more creatures that I can't see." Her tone was laced with humor, and she glanced at Lia and Sadie, curious to see if they would join Rowdy on his ghost-hunting adventure. Though it seemed that Lia was not really against the idea of ghost hunting. Sadie would probably up for that too, knowing that she looks so young and young people loves the adrenaline.
As she waited for Rowdy to finish grilling the chicken, Julie's attention was drawn to the savory aroma wafting from the grill. The sound of the sizzling chicken and the mixture of garlic and butter had her stomach growling with anticipation. She waited patiently, hoping that Rowdy would soon be done and share the delicious meal with the girls.
As Julie watched Amelia volunteered herself to catch the keys and to go upstairs, she was off. Julie couldn't help but hope that there weren't any more unwanted critters lurking in the apartment, waiting to make an appearance. Amelia would had had enough surprises for one day.
Turning her attention to Sadie, Julie's curiosity got the better of her. "So, are you a college student?" she asked, her eyes locked on Sadie's, awaiting a response.
But before Sadie could reply, Amelia joined back with, having completed her mission to retrieve the sour cream and cheese that was they needed from Rowdy's room. Julie was struck by how quickly Amelia had moved, wondering if she was naturally a fast walker or if she had simply hurried through her task.
With Amelia's return, Julie's attention shifted to the grilling station, where Rowdy was busy prepping the food. "Can I help you with grilling those anyway?" Julie asked, moving to stand beside Rowdy and eyeing the sizzling chicken. She was eager to lend a hand and be a part of the cooking process.
Sadie looked towards the cooler that Rowdy said where the beer were and leaned over to grab one. She heard him ask his first question and smiled at him before she spoke, "Yeah, I just got here a few hours ago. So you haven't been here much longer than me either, I guess we will have to survive this hell hole together then." She chuckled softly at the last part. She felt him lean over towards her and he whispered to her about the if her apartment was just as trashed as his. "It was pretty gross and had so much graffiti covering the walls that the fumes could possibly make me as high as a kite, if it were possible." She started chuckling and finished with, "So, you went all 'Mr. Clean' on yours? That's impressive. I feel I might be doing the same with mine after going to a few stores to get what I need. So, what brought you here, Rowdy?"
Sadie took a sip of her beer and was looking around when Julie introduced herself. "Hi, Julie. It's nice to meet you. I am not going to lie. When I pulled up here I thought I was being pranked, because I don't think the place is as advertised." She jokingly said the last part, of course. Was she wrong though? No. She continued with, "I am in apartment 26, but if you ever need anything just holler at me. I will definitely hear it." She winked at Julie and turned to the Lia.
"Hello, Lia. I was more worried about someone being murdered than laughing" She let out a laugh then and continued. "I don't know about you, but I have to go pick up some things in the morning to exterminate and clean. But would you like to come with me so we can get you some things also? I don't have furniture yet, so this is a good opportunity to paint and clean." She offered the beautiful brunette, and although they had just met she knew exactly who Lia was. Sadie knew it wasn't her business unless Lia wanted to tell her, but she did feel protective of the girl and hoped to make a genuine female friendship for once. "Maybe we can rope the way better looking 'Mr. CLEAN' to come with us and give us some expertise." She jokingly said, but it was an offer in the same and waited for their responses.
Sadie heard Julie say something about ghosts and let out a laugh, "I would be disappointed if their wasn't with how this place looks." She playfully said to the group. She then heard what Rowdy said and then busted out laughing. "Shall we become the drunken Ghostbusters tonight? Because I am down for that adventure." She took another drink of the beer in her hand and turned toward the pool, surveying it. "How much do you want to bet their is a body or more in that? Alive or not, possibly both." She jokingly said. Then looked back to the group and noticed Lia coming back with what Rowdy needed from his apartment. The food smelt amazing and the company was great, she could see herself making good friends with these people. She registered Julie's previous question to her and then responded. "Yes, I am. Going for a few masters in business. How about you? What do you do?" The last part she asked the group in general as she looked from each of them and waited for their responses.
Sadie took a sip of her beer and was looking around when Julie introduced herself. "Hi, Julie. It's nice to meet you. I am not going to lie. When I pulled up here I thought I was being pranked, because I don't think the place is as advertised." She jokingly said the last part, of course. Was she wrong though? No. She continued with, "I am in apartment 26, but if you ever need anything just holler at me. I will definitely hear it." She winked at Julie and turned to the Lia.
"Hello, Lia. I was more worried about someone being murdered than laughing" She let out a laugh then and continued. "I don't know about you, but I have to go pick up some things in the morning to exterminate and clean. But would you like to come with me so we can get you some things also? I don't have furniture yet, so this is a good opportunity to paint and clean." She offered the beautiful brunette, and although they had just met she knew exactly who Lia was. Sadie knew it wasn't her business unless Lia wanted to tell her, but she did feel protective of the girl and hoped to make a genuine female friendship for once. "Maybe we can rope the way better looking 'Mr. CLEAN' to come with us and give us some expertise." She jokingly said, but it was an offer in the same and waited for their responses.
Sadie heard Julie say something about ghosts and let out a laugh, "I would be disappointed if their wasn't with how this place looks." She playfully said to the group. She then heard what Rowdy said and then busted out laughing. "Shall we become the drunken Ghostbusters tonight? Because I am down for that adventure." She took another drink of the beer in her hand and turned toward the pool, surveying it. "How much do you want to bet their is a body or more in that? Alive or not, possibly both." She jokingly said. Then looked back to the group and noticed Lia coming back with what Rowdy needed from his apartment. The food smelt amazing and the company was great, she could see herself making good friends with these people. She registered Julie's previous question to her and then responded. "Yes, I am. Going for a few masters in business. How about you? What do you do?" The last part she asked the group in general as she looked from each of them and waited for their responses.
To say that today had been a long day would be to imply that it was any different from most days. They were practically all long days at the moment - but Leonardo wouldn't have traded them for the world. Even if he was working long hours, trying to get his foot in the door for the kinds of promotions that would get him and his siblings out of this place, Leo felt good about how far they'd come already, and anything was better than what they'd left behind. Felicita seemed to be doing very well here, finding her place in the ballet company; Elmo seemed far more settled. The ghosts were nicer here, or so he said.
"They were in the park," Elmo was currently saying. "I saw them. They had a ball, but they weren't throwing it. I don't know if they remembered how to."
Leo wrapped an arm around his brother's shoulders. He'd have to get him a new coat. Elmo's was an old hand-me-down from Leo, and it was probably beyond repair, now practically more patches than original fabric. "We'll go back and talk to them after we've eaten," he promised, although it was a fifty-fifty chance whether Elmo would have forgotten all about it by the time they'd finished, or if he'd be utterly insistent. Still, it was enough to calm Elmo, and he nodded.
"Alright."
"What's that smell?" Leo asked, to change the subject, as they neared the pool area. It smelled like someone grilling. He turned his head a little, to see if he could catch better hold of the smell or sounds. Some people nearby, too? And music.
"There's some people near the grill," Elmo explained. "I don't recognise them. Living people."
"Do you want to go say hello?"
Sometimes, Elmo didn't like talking to people, especially when things overwhelmed him, but other times, he was like a puppy, eager to make as many new friends as possible. Although he hesitated, this did seem closer to the latter, because eventually he nodded, and Leo smiled proudly down at him.
"It only has to be quick," he said. "We can leave whenever you want."
"Whenever you want," Elmo echoed distantly. Leo hugged him a little closer, although he followed Elmo's lead to make sure they wouldn't fall into the pool. Leo had been reliably informed it wasn't particularly clean, nor did it carry much more than stagnant rainwater.
"Ah - sorry, we don't mean to intrude. We just wanted to come and say hello," Leo spoke up, once they'd drawn close to those gathered already. Behind his dark glasses, his eyes weren't visible; his head was turned just slightly off direction from any of them, although he was facing more or less the right way. "We also live in the apartments. Leonardo Giovanni, and this is my brother, Erasmus - Elmo."
"Hello," Elmo said, barely above a whisper. Shyness seemed to have taken him, but his dark eyes settled on each of the four in turn, lingering for an eternity upon Rowdy, then Sadie, then Julie, then Amelia, as if he could see something deep within them he was reading.
"They were in the park," Elmo was currently saying. "I saw them. They had a ball, but they weren't throwing it. I don't know if they remembered how to."
Leo wrapped an arm around his brother's shoulders. He'd have to get him a new coat. Elmo's was an old hand-me-down from Leo, and it was probably beyond repair, now practically more patches than original fabric. "We'll go back and talk to them after we've eaten," he promised, although it was a fifty-fifty chance whether Elmo would have forgotten all about it by the time they'd finished, or if he'd be utterly insistent. Still, it was enough to calm Elmo, and he nodded.
"Alright."
"What's that smell?" Leo asked, to change the subject, as they neared the pool area. It smelled like someone grilling. He turned his head a little, to see if he could catch better hold of the smell or sounds. Some people nearby, too? And music.
"There's some people near the grill," Elmo explained. "I don't recognise them. Living people."
"Do you want to go say hello?"
Sometimes, Elmo didn't like talking to people, especially when things overwhelmed him, but other times, he was like a puppy, eager to make as many new friends as possible. Although he hesitated, this did seem closer to the latter, because eventually he nodded, and Leo smiled proudly down at him.
"It only has to be quick," he said. "We can leave whenever you want."
"Whenever you want," Elmo echoed distantly. Leo hugged him a little closer, although he followed Elmo's lead to make sure they wouldn't fall into the pool. Leo had been reliably informed it wasn't particularly clean, nor did it carry much more than stagnant rainwater.
"Ah - sorry, we don't mean to intrude. We just wanted to come and say hello," Leo spoke up, once they'd drawn close to those gathered already. Behind his dark glasses, his eyes weren't visible; his head was turned just slightly off direction from any of them, although he was facing more or less the right way. "We also live in the apartments. Leonardo Giovanni, and this is my brother, Erasmus - Elmo."
"Hello," Elmo said, barely above a whisper. Shyness seemed to have taken him, but his dark eyes settled on each of the four in turn, lingering for an eternity upon Rowdy, then Sadie, then Julie, then Amelia, as if he could see something deep within them he was reading.
At Sadie's question about what brought him here he replied, "The university. I got accepted into a doctoral program for literature." He cringed a little as he anticipated the laugh. He looked like a dumb jock and he knew it. Most people expected for him to say kinesiology when they asked him his major. Books and this guy did not look like they had ever met. But looks we're certainly deceiving when it came to him. He was going to ask Sadie about herself but she had moved into conversation with Lia where he overheard himself be mentioned. "I charge by the hour for my elbow grease," he jested when Sadie said they could get him to help them clean.
Rowdy tossed the keys to Lia so she could go get the items to complete the spread. He flipped the chicken to let the heat caramelize the butter and kill any bacteria that might have been lingering on the brush or in the butter. Bacteria loves the heat. Lia returned quickly with the cheese and sour cream. "Thank you kindly," he said as he grabbed the steak with the tongs. Julie approached him then and he was glad to have the help. He motioned towards the table where the plates were stacked. "Can you grab a plate for the steak? It's ready to come off and rest for a few before I cut it." If Julie got him a plate, he would set the flank steak on the plate. "You can use some of the foil to cover it while it rests, please ma'am. I don't think we want the flies landing on it."
Rowdy might look young, but he was anything but. He was actually in the twilight of his life and was at the point where he would start to age gradually and, over the next forty or fifty years, die of old age. He acted young because that was the demographic he was lumped in with. He had the energy and spunk of a twenty-something male, but his mind was that of a seasoned gentleman. Rowdy was the guy that could rock your world in bed and then put you to sleep as he recited poetry from the early romantic period from memory.
Once the steak was resting on the plate, he turned his attention to the tortillas in the pan. He grabbed and flipped them with his bare fingers. "Yowch!" he said softly as he blew on his fingertips. He reached over and grabbed the folded hand towel and opened it to the most middle section. He then tossed the warmed tortillas onto the towel and folded the cloth over to keep them warm. Once Julie had covered the steak in foil Rowdy asked for another plate to put the chicken breasts on, there were about a dozen of them. "Thanks a lot, Julie. You can just set those down and I will start slicing the meat up."
As Rowdy transitioned from the grill to the table where he laid out the food. It was almost ready to serve. He pulled out a razor sharp filet knife out of a leather sheath and started on the chicken. He had sliced up a few chicken breasts and laid the pieces on a plate for people to serve themselves off of. Before cutting into the fourth breast, Rowdy noticed some more people walking up. "S'up Leonardo. And no intrusion. No intrusion at all. This is my way of bringing out the neighbors." He was going to say hi to Elmo as well, but the way he was being stared at made him uneasy. "Uhhh, I'm just slicing the meat for fajitas, if you would like some. There's beer in the cooler." He wasn't paying enough attention to the pair to register that Leo might be vision impaired. He was all about the food and the weird look he was getting from the kid.
Rowdy tossed the keys to Lia so she could go get the items to complete the spread. He flipped the chicken to let the heat caramelize the butter and kill any bacteria that might have been lingering on the brush or in the butter. Bacteria loves the heat. Lia returned quickly with the cheese and sour cream. "Thank you kindly," he said as he grabbed the steak with the tongs. Julie approached him then and he was glad to have the help. He motioned towards the table where the plates were stacked. "Can you grab a plate for the steak? It's ready to come off and rest for a few before I cut it." If Julie got him a plate, he would set the flank steak on the plate. "You can use some of the foil to cover it while it rests, please ma'am. I don't think we want the flies landing on it."
Rowdy might look young, but he was anything but. He was actually in the twilight of his life and was at the point where he would start to age gradually and, over the next forty or fifty years, die of old age. He acted young because that was the demographic he was lumped in with. He had the energy and spunk of a twenty-something male, but his mind was that of a seasoned gentleman. Rowdy was the guy that could rock your world in bed and then put you to sleep as he recited poetry from the early romantic period from memory.
Once the steak was resting on the plate, he turned his attention to the tortillas in the pan. He grabbed and flipped them with his bare fingers. "Yowch!" he said softly as he blew on his fingertips. He reached over and grabbed the folded hand towel and opened it to the most middle section. He then tossed the warmed tortillas onto the towel and folded the cloth over to keep them warm. Once Julie had covered the steak in foil Rowdy asked for another plate to put the chicken breasts on, there were about a dozen of them. "Thanks a lot, Julie. You can just set those down and I will start slicing the meat up."
As Rowdy transitioned from the grill to the table where he laid out the food. It was almost ready to serve. He pulled out a razor sharp filet knife out of a leather sheath and started on the chicken. He had sliced up a few chicken breasts and laid the pieces on a plate for people to serve themselves off of. Before cutting into the fourth breast, Rowdy noticed some more people walking up. "S'up Leonardo. And no intrusion. No intrusion at all. This is my way of bringing out the neighbors." He was going to say hi to Elmo as well, but the way he was being stared at made him uneasy. "Uhhh, I'm just slicing the meat for fajitas, if you would like some. There's beer in the cooler." He wasn't paying enough attention to the pair to register that Leo might be vision impaired. He was all about the food and the weird look he was getting from the kid.
The drinks being plentiful and the music playing in the back ground made the atmosphere feel great, which made Sadie relax a bit and enjoy the company. She was about to reply to Rowdy's witticism when she saw from her peripheral vision, two new arrivals show up. Leonardo introduced him and his brother to the group and after Rowdy offered for them to join, she introduced herself. "Hi, Leonardo and Elmo. My name is Sadie. It's nice to meet you." She smiled sweetly at them, but was unsure if Leo could see her because he looked to be visually impaired. "The grill master lured me here also with the aromas, it's hard to resist something that smells so good." She chuckled softly but wasn't to lying and to show she was being playful and inviting, although Elmo was staring at all of them trying to decipher something. There was no way he would be able to get anything out of her unless she showed him herself, but that wouldn't happen very easily for someone she doesn't know.
Sadie felt the atmosphere turn a little tense and she looked over towards the girls and then to Rowdy. As she stepped towards him, she laid her hand gently on his shoulder to settle his uneasiness and then said, "So, you cook and clean, plus you are into literature which would make you smart. That's quite impressive. I won't lie. At first glance, you give off the frat, jock vibe. But, I know first hand looks can be deceiving, so I don't judge right out of the gate." She smiled brightly at him to show she was sincere and her blueish purple eyes sparkled a little bit, "What got you into literature? Do you have an all time favorite author? I read a lot myself. Various things that would catch my interest or speak to me." She then added to lighten the mood, "As for your elbow grease, I would offer you the finest home cooked meals and rum that you would never forget. Quite possibly would want more of." She winked and laughed heartily as she tried to ease the tension by projecting some of her aura. She emptied her beer bottle, looked around to discard it and found a trash bag hanging off the corner of the table. Sadie tossed it , went to grab another beverage, and walked back towards Rowdy and Lia. She took in the details of the people and places around her, not in a creepy way, but a curious one and enjoyed her surroundings. This might not be as bad as I first thought. She thought to herself and waited for the food to be finished.
Sadie felt the atmosphere turn a little tense and she looked over towards the girls and then to Rowdy. As she stepped towards him, she laid her hand gently on his shoulder to settle his uneasiness and then said, "So, you cook and clean, plus you are into literature which would make you smart. That's quite impressive. I won't lie. At first glance, you give off the frat, jock vibe. But, I know first hand looks can be deceiving, so I don't judge right out of the gate." She smiled brightly at him to show she was sincere and her blueish purple eyes sparkled a little bit, "What got you into literature? Do you have an all time favorite author? I read a lot myself. Various things that would catch my interest or speak to me." She then added to lighten the mood, "As for your elbow grease, I would offer you the finest home cooked meals and rum that you would never forget. Quite possibly would want more of." She winked and laughed heartily as she tried to ease the tension by projecting some of her aura. She emptied her beer bottle, looked around to discard it and found a trash bag hanging off the corner of the table. Sadie tossed it , went to grab another beverage, and walked back towards Rowdy and Lia. She took in the details of the people and places around her, not in a creepy way, but a curious one and enjoyed her surroundings. This might not be as bad as I first thought. She thought to herself and waited for the food to be finished.
As she stood there, drinking her beer after having dropped off the cheese and sour cream, the scent of the food was far too alluring, and she didn’t have any reason not to walk over to Rowdy again and ask; “Is it…ready by any chance?” She was relieved when he welcomed her to the food, and smiled beautifully at him but she still paid attention to the people around her.
Amelia watched the other people while she started making herself a wrap, but turned her head towards Julie when she answered Amelia’s car question. She tilted her head her way, and smiled brightly. “Thank you. Can I grab the address from you at some point? And thank god.” She whispered to herself, eyeing the building once more before she looked back to Sadie as the woman addressed her. Amelia chuckled somewhat awkwardly as she finished fixing the wrap with a little bit of everything that was offered, miraculously actually closing the foils again when she was done with them.
When Sadie offered her to tag along on a morning shopping trip, Lia smiled, but the smile stopped when she said the word clean. The word was literally foreign in her mind, and the only thing she knew how to do was wait for someone else to do it. Her expression turned to confused as she tried to figure out exactly what that meant. “I mean,…I’ll absolutely go shopping, but what do I need cleaning stuff for?” This was an actual genuine question, and she did not understand the looks that this question got. ”What?” She asked as she innocently bit into the wrap.
“Oh my god, this is delicious!” She exclaimed as she looked over to Rowdy after her first bite. It was around the time that more new people showed up that Lia started to realize that she actually started to feel drunk. It was a curious thing, and made her look down at what she was eating. The smear of white in it made her giggle as soon as she realized what it was. It wasn’t full cream, but there was just enough in it that she felt the effects of it. She debated stopping, but then shrugged and continued eating it, knowing full well what may happen next.
Amelia drank the actual beer to cover the effects of what was coming, and to wet her mouth as she turned her attention to the newcomers. She looked first at the one with the glasses, and then noticed the smaller one beside him. Due to the effects now running in her body, the filter in her brain was not at all active as she looked at them both, as they introduced themselves as Leo and Elmo. Her brain unfortunately did not stop her mouth as it made the only connection to the names the drunk mind could come up with as she said; “Like…, Turtles and Tickles?”
Half a second later, she did realize what she said, and giggled, very much in the way a happy drunk does. “No, I didn’t mean it like that, I meant…Hi. I’m Lia, that’s what I meant.”
Amelia watched the other people while she started making herself a wrap, but turned her head towards Julie when she answered Amelia’s car question. She tilted her head her way, and smiled brightly. “Thank you. Can I grab the address from you at some point? And thank god.” She whispered to herself, eyeing the building once more before she looked back to Sadie as the woman addressed her. Amelia chuckled somewhat awkwardly as she finished fixing the wrap with a little bit of everything that was offered, miraculously actually closing the foils again when she was done with them.
When Sadie offered her to tag along on a morning shopping trip, Lia smiled, but the smile stopped when she said the word clean. The word was literally foreign in her mind, and the only thing she knew how to do was wait for someone else to do it. Her expression turned to confused as she tried to figure out exactly what that meant. “I mean,…I’ll absolutely go shopping, but what do I need cleaning stuff for?” This was an actual genuine question, and she did not understand the looks that this question got. ”What?” She asked as she innocently bit into the wrap.
“Oh my god, this is delicious!” She exclaimed as she looked over to Rowdy after her first bite. It was around the time that more new people showed up that Lia started to realize that she actually started to feel drunk. It was a curious thing, and made her look down at what she was eating. The smear of white in it made her giggle as soon as she realized what it was. It wasn’t full cream, but there was just enough in it that she felt the effects of it. She debated stopping, but then shrugged and continued eating it, knowing full well what may happen next.
Amelia drank the actual beer to cover the effects of what was coming, and to wet her mouth as she turned her attention to the newcomers. She looked first at the one with the glasses, and then noticed the smaller one beside him. Due to the effects now running in her body, the filter in her brain was not at all active as she looked at them both, as they introduced themselves as Leo and Elmo. Her brain unfortunately did not stop her mouth as it made the only connection to the names the drunk mind could come up with as she said; “Like…, Turtles and Tickles?”
Half a second later, she did realize what she said, and giggled, very much in the way a happy drunk does. “No, I didn’t mean it like that, I meant…Hi. I’m Lia, that’s what I meant.”
Speaking of paper-thin walls... A low, guttural growl bubbled through his lips when that scream awoke him from a dead sleep. It was muffled by the pillow, somewhat, and was so quick and sharp that he almost dozed back off. Almost. His eyes snapped open, mirroring an abyssal void, due to the carnal urges in his brain to throw the radio across the lot out front to silence the music. That growl rumbled again in his throat, growing louder until it finally shifted into a hoarse groan as the humanity that was left in him flipped a figurative switch and started to seize control again. He wasn't a morning person by far, or an afternoon person either, for that matter, unless it was clouded over. "The fuck are they doin' out there...?" he complained to no one but himself, that usual rasp frayed with sleep and so much heavier. He could hear them, conversing among themselves. The smell of food also reached him, but it didn't quite have much of an effect, other than telling him that maybe they were simply having some form of event that he wasn't informed of.
Though grumpy and clearly annoyed by being woken up, Spence couldn't fault them for being human. He decided he might as well go put some faces to the voices, grabbing a white tee from his dresser and tugging on a pair of weathered jeans. Doc Martens completed the lazy thrown-together look, but he also grabbed that old weathered ball cap to shield his eyes from the hateful sunball. His pack of cigs was picked up on the way to the door, as well as his cell phone, which he shoved into his back pocket since he was still on call. He figured he could disguise this recon as a smoke break so maybe he wouldn't have to talk too much.
Grumpy Gus slowly opened his door, eyes instantly squinting at the brightness compared to his black-out curtained apartment, but he slipped through and shut it behind him before he could change his mind. He moved to lean into the banister casually as he placed a cigarette between his lips, lighting it moments later with a practiced flick of the wrist. His inky visage had slowly become more human-like now that he'd been awake for a few minutes, and flicked to Lia as she opened the apartment two doors down from his and went inside. Hm.. If she paid him any mind going back down, a simple polite wave was given, but no word of greeting, before he continued just soaking in bits and pieces of the party below and letting his eyes roam over the crowd off and on, as well as the parking lot, anyone coming or going. This type of recon was practiced, and he didn't stare or gaze at any one person for longer than a couple of seconds before turning his attention away. He knew all too well the paranoid feeling of eyes on you and didn't want to stare long enough to cause it. If any of the others actually glanced up at him, he'd do the same polite wave to them that he'd given Lia, and if addressed, he'd answer accordingly, but for now, Spence would quietly draw in deep breaths of smoke before releasing them off to the side slowly. It was already doing wonders on those frayed nerves, and he'd started to settle down enough to where he didn't even want to yeet the radio as badly now.
Though grumpy and clearly annoyed by being woken up, Spence couldn't fault them for being human. He decided he might as well go put some faces to the voices, grabbing a white tee from his dresser and tugging on a pair of weathered jeans. Doc Martens completed the lazy thrown-together look, but he also grabbed that old weathered ball cap to shield his eyes from the hateful sunball. His pack of cigs was picked up on the way to the door, as well as his cell phone, which he shoved into his back pocket since he was still on call. He figured he could disguise this recon as a smoke break so maybe he wouldn't have to talk too much.
Grumpy Gus slowly opened his door, eyes instantly squinting at the brightness compared to his black-out curtained apartment, but he slipped through and shut it behind him before he could change his mind. He moved to lean into the banister casually as he placed a cigarette between his lips, lighting it moments later with a practiced flick of the wrist. His inky visage had slowly become more human-like now that he'd been awake for a few minutes, and flicked to Lia as she opened the apartment two doors down from his and went inside. Hm.. If she paid him any mind going back down, a simple polite wave was given, but no word of greeting, before he continued just soaking in bits and pieces of the party below and letting his eyes roam over the crowd off and on, as well as the parking lot, anyone coming or going. This type of recon was practiced, and he didn't stare or gaze at any one person for longer than a couple of seconds before turning his attention away. He knew all too well the paranoid feeling of eyes on you and didn't want to stare long enough to cause it. If any of the others actually glanced up at him, he'd do the same polite wave to them that he'd given Lia, and if addressed, he'd answer accordingly, but for now, Spence would quietly draw in deep breaths of smoke before releasing them off to the side slowly. It was already doing wonders on those frayed nerves, and he'd started to settle down enough to where he didn't even want to yeet the radio as badly now.
Although he couldn't see the way Elmo was staring, Leo knew his brother well enough to guess, and he gently nudged his shoulder, breaking the spell so that Elmo looked up at him instead, pressing a little closer into his brother's side shyly.
"Thank you," Leo said warmly to Rowdy. "If we really wouldn't be an imposition, it would be very nice to join you all. We might be able to contribute some food - we must have some snacks at home, if you'd like some crisps or something...?" He wasn't sure what exactly was already here, but he wasn't about to accept someone else's food without at least offering something to help feed everyone.
He nodded in Sadie's direction with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sadie. It was the smell that rather lured us over here, too. It really is quite delectable." As Leo spoke, Elmo nodded in quiet agreement; his gaze was now wandering, straying from those gathered over to the apartments, as if looking with curiosity to someone stood on the balcony, although a glance would find nobody there.
Elmo's attention returned as Lia made her introduction; whilst Leo looked utterly bewildered, or perhaps politely nonplussed, Elmo laughed, his whole expression and demeanour lighting up like the sun appearing from behind a cloud. "He's very good at ninjutsu," he said, with great solemnity. "But I watch over ships."
If this was nonsensical, Leo made no sign of it; the hand on Elmo's shoulder played with his brother's hair gently. He tilted his head just a little at her voice - she sounded awfully familiar, somehow - but he couldn't place it, and there seemed no point in asking; surely she'd recognise him, if they knew one another already. "It's very nice to meet you, Lia. Are you all new to the apartments, or have we just missed one another for some time now? I apologise, if so; work keeps me rather busy."
Something had caught Elmo's gaze again on the balcony again, but this time it was an actual person. He raised his hand to wave to Spencer, with a bright smile.
"Thank you," Leo said warmly to Rowdy. "If we really wouldn't be an imposition, it would be very nice to join you all. We might be able to contribute some food - we must have some snacks at home, if you'd like some crisps or something...?" He wasn't sure what exactly was already here, but he wasn't about to accept someone else's food without at least offering something to help feed everyone.
He nodded in Sadie's direction with a smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sadie. It was the smell that rather lured us over here, too. It really is quite delectable." As Leo spoke, Elmo nodded in quiet agreement; his gaze was now wandering, straying from those gathered over to the apartments, as if looking with curiosity to someone stood on the balcony, although a glance would find nobody there.
Elmo's attention returned as Lia made her introduction; whilst Leo looked utterly bewildered, or perhaps politely nonplussed, Elmo laughed, his whole expression and demeanour lighting up like the sun appearing from behind a cloud. "He's very good at ninjutsu," he said, with great solemnity. "But I watch over ships."
If this was nonsensical, Leo made no sign of it; the hand on Elmo's shoulder played with his brother's hair gently. He tilted his head just a little at her voice - she sounded awfully familiar, somehow - but he couldn't place it, and there seemed no point in asking; surely she'd recognise him, if they knew one another already. "It's very nice to meet you, Lia. Are you all new to the apartments, or have we just missed one another for some time now? I apologise, if so; work keeps me rather busy."
Something had caught Elmo's gaze again on the balcony again, but this time it was an actual person. He raised his hand to wave to Spencer, with a bright smile.
Rowdy felt a hand on his shoulder and stopped the motion of cutting the fourth chicken breast and turned his head. He spotted Sadie standing next to him and offered her a grin. "You okay?" he asked as he returned to slicing the breast. He was used to compliments like the one she offered. The amazement that he wasn't a caveman. "I get that more often than I care to think about," he said exasperated at being an assumed asshole. But she switched the conversation to literature and he immediately relaxed. Then Lia walked over and asked about the food. "The chicken is ready to go. Help yourself."
He started on the fifth chicken breast as he began to explain, "I grew up on boats and were never in one place for too long. We followed the warm weather." It was a complete lie, but it was a lie that he could make sound believable. "I had a natural gravitation to books. They gave me stories to act out on the deck of the ship. They gave me escape into alternate universes." He shrugged as he started cutting up the sixth chicken breast. "So when it came time to pick a topic to study, literature made the most sense."
He laughed at Sadie in a friendly way, "Whether I help you clean or not you will owe me a home cooked meal anyway for today." He liked Sadie and hoped they would be friends. Lia then exclaimed her compliment and he offered her a smile too. "You hear that everyone? Come and get it! You guys too," he said to Leo and Elmo. He finished cutting up all twelve of the chicken breasts and started on the flank steak. As he removed the foil from the steaks he smelled...death. Like, literal death or decay. Rowdy lifted his head and spotted a guy standing on the balcony only a door or two down from his own apartment. Rowdy waved at the guy and motioned to the food.
He sliced decent sized strips of the steak and placed them on a plate. Soon, he would have completed his cooking task and stood back to admire his creation. He headed over to the cooler and grabbed himself a beer. Lia was acting strange. Granted he had just met the girl but she seemed...drunk. She barely drank one beer. Was she that fucked up already? He would keep an eye on her, make sure she was okay.
He started on the fifth chicken breast as he began to explain, "I grew up on boats and were never in one place for too long. We followed the warm weather." It was a complete lie, but it was a lie that he could make sound believable. "I had a natural gravitation to books. They gave me stories to act out on the deck of the ship. They gave me escape into alternate universes." He shrugged as he started cutting up the sixth chicken breast. "So when it came time to pick a topic to study, literature made the most sense."
He laughed at Sadie in a friendly way, "Whether I help you clean or not you will owe me a home cooked meal anyway for today." He liked Sadie and hoped they would be friends. Lia then exclaimed her compliment and he offered her a smile too. "You hear that everyone? Come and get it! You guys too," he said to Leo and Elmo. He finished cutting up all twelve of the chicken breasts and started on the flank steak. As he removed the foil from the steaks he smelled...death. Like, literal death or decay. Rowdy lifted his head and spotted a guy standing on the balcony only a door or two down from his own apartment. Rowdy waved at the guy and motioned to the food.
He sliced decent sized strips of the steak and placed them on a plate. Soon, he would have completed his cooking task and stood back to admire his creation. He headed over to the cooler and grabbed himself a beer. Lia was acting strange. Granted he had just met the girl but she seemed...drunk. She barely drank one beer. Was she that fucked up already? He would keep an eye on her, make sure she was okay.
Sadie sensed that maybe she struck a nerve with Rowdy with her compliment, so she took her hand off his shoulder and thought how to proceed. Change the subject, Reign. She thought to herself and had asked about him going into literature and why. His explanation would seem to be plausible to most people, but she could tell there was something deeper that he didn't want to say or possibly could not. So as to not push it further, she engaged conversation with him, with what they seemed to have similarities about. "I can understand and applaud that, I to grew up on boats and moved around a lot. I always made my own adventures out of them, especially when I had the right crew alongside me." She smiled at Rowdy to show she knew what he meant and that she was sincere about learning more about him. She could see them becoming pretty great friends, if he so allowed. "You really can't judge a book by it's cover." She said playfully and then noticed Lia ask about the food, to which he gave the greenlight.
She saw Lia fix up her fajitas and start chowing down, "Do you want a drink to wash that down or do you have one already? I would hate to see you choke." She jokingly said as she heard the reaction to the food from Lia. "I guess it's time for me to eat also. This has been making my mouth-water since I got here." She then started dressing up her fajitas and walked away to a pool lounge chair near the cooler that seemed to be fairly sittable. As she sat down, Sadie smelled what she scented from her apartment earlier, thinking maybe she left the door open she looked up to the second deck and noticed another man standing there smoking. She waved at him politely and smiled, then started eating her steak fajitas. She let out a slight moan and said, "Damn this just hits the spot. So bloody delicious!" As she looked over at Rowdy with a smile in her eyes that showed how sincere she was.
She finished her fajitas and made sure she didn't have anything on her face with her hand. She took another swig of her beer and looked over to Lia, because the girl seemed to be acting a little different from what she was earlier. She leaned over to Rowdy and whispered, "You haven't seen her drink from a blue unlabeled spirit bottle have you? Because I could have sworn she only had one beer and that I left that bottle of 'special' rum in my vehicle." She was still watching Lia to make sure nothing would happen to her, as she did seem a little on the drunker side. She looked up to Rowdy and noticed he was thinking the same thing about Lia acting different. She would let Lia have her fun, but watch her carefully.
She saw Lia fix up her fajitas and start chowing down, "Do you want a drink to wash that down or do you have one already? I would hate to see you choke." She jokingly said as she heard the reaction to the food from Lia. "I guess it's time for me to eat also. This has been making my mouth-water since I got here." She then started dressing up her fajitas and walked away to a pool lounge chair near the cooler that seemed to be fairly sittable. As she sat down, Sadie smelled what she scented from her apartment earlier, thinking maybe she left the door open she looked up to the second deck and noticed another man standing there smoking. She waved at him politely and smiled, then started eating her steak fajitas. She let out a slight moan and said, "Damn this just hits the spot. So bloody delicious!" As she looked over at Rowdy with a smile in her eyes that showed how sincere she was.
She finished her fajitas and made sure she didn't have anything on her face with her hand. She took another swig of her beer and looked over to Lia, because the girl seemed to be acting a little different from what she was earlier. She leaned over to Rowdy and whispered, "You haven't seen her drink from a blue unlabeled spirit bottle have you? Because I could have sworn she only had one beer and that I left that bottle of 'special' rum in my vehicle." She was still watching Lia to make sure nothing would happen to her, as she did seem a little on the drunker side. She looked up to Rowdy and noticed he was thinking the same thing about Lia acting different. She would let Lia have her fun, but watch her carefully.
Following the instruction with Rowdy, confidently strode towards the designated table. A stack of plates, awaiting her attention, stood patiently. With practiced ease, she balanced several plates in her arms, a cheerful expression gracing her face as she approached Rowdy. "Here it goes," she announced, carefully presenting the collection of dishes, her focus unwavering to prevent any unfortunate clatter.
Julie's simple, "Yes, sure. I'm on it." elicited a warm smile from her. Understanding the next step in the preparations, Julie reached for a sheet of aluminum foil. With meticulous care, she draped it over the perfectly grilled chicken, its surface glistening from the barbecue heat. She aimed for complete coverage, acting as a protective barrier against any unwelcome insect intrusion that might threaten their meal.
Suddenly, her gaze fell upon Rowdy, his face contorted in a grimace of surprise and pain. He had attempted to flip the tortillas with his bare hand and the heat had caught him off guard. "Hey, careful there." Julie called out with a genuine concern coloring her voice. "You should just grill the chicken, not your hand." She noticed the slight redness on his fingertips, a small burn that undoubtedly stung.
With the practiced efficiency of a professional, Julie proceeded to arrange the plates. Each portion was meticulously placed, creating a visually appealing display after Rowdy had skillfully sliced the meat. The sight was truly inviting, a feast not just for the stomach but also for the eyes. As she set the table with precision, her ears picked upon Saddie's answer. As she had anticipated, Saddie seemed enthusiastic about the prospect of ghost hunting – a thrilling idea for a younger mind. Julie couldn't help but smile, a warm, maternal smile that radiated understanding. She recognized that individuals like Saddie, still young and eager, often yearn for adventure and the thrill of the unknown.
"Oh, I'm an executive assistant at a security company," Julie replied to Saddie's inquiry about her profession. "Some say it's akin to a secretary." She paused for a brief moment, then added with genuine optimism, "So you went for business? That sounds promising. I hope your future endeavors lead to wonderful opportunities." Her words were infused with encouragement, a reflection of her supportive nature as she interacted with her younger companion. Her voice held a tone of genuine belief in Saddie's potential, inspiring her to reach for her goals.
The aroma of sizzling meat, a symphony of savory scents, wafted through the air, drawing in more guests. She noticed Elmo and Leonardo approaching, their expressions a blend of anticipation and curiosity, undoubtedly lured by the tantalizing smells and the promise of a delicious meal. Having just finished setting the table for their impromptu gathering, smiled warmly upon seeing Leo. While her smile was genuine and welcoming, a flicker of uncertainty crossed her mind – she wasn't entirely sure if Leo could perceive it. It looked like he was somewhat impaired. Not that Julie mind.
Instinctively, driven by a natural warmth and ingrained business etiquette, Julie extended her hand towards both Leo and Elmo, a gesture of hospitality honed over years of navigating the professional world. It was a subtle display of friendly engagement, a way of breaking the ice and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
“Hi, I’m Julie.” Her lips curved into a practiced, yet genuine, business smile, a smile she'd perfected through countless interactions. "I think we haven't had the chance to properly introduce ourselves. I usually only come home to sleep and then head out again for work. Perhaps that's why you haven't seen much of me around here. Don't worry about that. Work always take our fun.” Her words were carefully chosen, a blend of explanation and social grace, directed particularly towards Elmo. She sought to bridge the gap of limited interaction, offering a reason for her infrequent presence while subtly encouraging a more familiar relationship.
Julie dug into the sliced grilled chicken, relishing the flavor. Just as Lia and Saddie had said, it was absolutely delicious. And the best part? It was free. Free food was always a winner in Julie's book. "I can actually show you around." Julie offered Lia, referring to the secondhand car dealership. "It was near my office, so I'm sure I can go with you and show you the actual place. We can even take a walk before we catch the bus." She chomped down on a particularly juicy piece of chicken, savoring the taste before swallowing.
For a brief moment, Julie's eyes drifted towards Spence, who was standing nearby, smoking. Julie wasn't sure if Spencer would join them for the impromptu feast, given his current preoccupation with his cigarette.
"Uh... Is she drunk already?" Julie questioned the group, her voice laced with concern. Lia's behavior had taken an unexpected turn, and she was starting to act like.... someone under the influence of alcohol. The least Julie could do, if Amelia was truly asleep, was to let her rest in her room, as it was conveniently located near the pool. Alternatively, if Rowdy was able to eventually help, Julie would be ready to assist in bringing Amelia upstairs.
Julie's simple, "Yes, sure. I'm on it." elicited a warm smile from her. Understanding the next step in the preparations, Julie reached for a sheet of aluminum foil. With meticulous care, she draped it over the perfectly grilled chicken, its surface glistening from the barbecue heat. She aimed for complete coverage, acting as a protective barrier against any unwelcome insect intrusion that might threaten their meal.
Suddenly, her gaze fell upon Rowdy, his face contorted in a grimace of surprise and pain. He had attempted to flip the tortillas with his bare hand and the heat had caught him off guard. "Hey, careful there." Julie called out with a genuine concern coloring her voice. "You should just grill the chicken, not your hand." She noticed the slight redness on his fingertips, a small burn that undoubtedly stung.
With the practiced efficiency of a professional, Julie proceeded to arrange the plates. Each portion was meticulously placed, creating a visually appealing display after Rowdy had skillfully sliced the meat. The sight was truly inviting, a feast not just for the stomach but also for the eyes. As she set the table with precision, her ears picked upon Saddie's answer. As she had anticipated, Saddie seemed enthusiastic about the prospect of ghost hunting – a thrilling idea for a younger mind. Julie couldn't help but smile, a warm, maternal smile that radiated understanding. She recognized that individuals like Saddie, still young and eager, often yearn for adventure and the thrill of the unknown.
"Oh, I'm an executive assistant at a security company," Julie replied to Saddie's inquiry about her profession. "Some say it's akin to a secretary." She paused for a brief moment, then added with genuine optimism, "So you went for business? That sounds promising. I hope your future endeavors lead to wonderful opportunities." Her words were infused with encouragement, a reflection of her supportive nature as she interacted with her younger companion. Her voice held a tone of genuine belief in Saddie's potential, inspiring her to reach for her goals.
The aroma of sizzling meat, a symphony of savory scents, wafted through the air, drawing in more guests. She noticed Elmo and Leonardo approaching, their expressions a blend of anticipation and curiosity, undoubtedly lured by the tantalizing smells and the promise of a delicious meal. Having just finished setting the table for their impromptu gathering, smiled warmly upon seeing Leo. While her smile was genuine and welcoming, a flicker of uncertainty crossed her mind – she wasn't entirely sure if Leo could perceive it. It looked like he was somewhat impaired. Not that Julie mind.
Instinctively, driven by a natural warmth and ingrained business etiquette, Julie extended her hand towards both Leo and Elmo, a gesture of hospitality honed over years of navigating the professional world. It was a subtle display of friendly engagement, a way of breaking the ice and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
“Hi, I’m Julie.” Her lips curved into a practiced, yet genuine, business smile, a smile she'd perfected through countless interactions. "I think we haven't had the chance to properly introduce ourselves. I usually only come home to sleep and then head out again for work. Perhaps that's why you haven't seen much of me around here. Don't worry about that. Work always take our fun.” Her words were carefully chosen, a blend of explanation and social grace, directed particularly towards Elmo. She sought to bridge the gap of limited interaction, offering a reason for her infrequent presence while subtly encouraging a more familiar relationship.
Julie dug into the sliced grilled chicken, relishing the flavor. Just as Lia and Saddie had said, it was absolutely delicious. And the best part? It was free. Free food was always a winner in Julie's book. "I can actually show you around." Julie offered Lia, referring to the secondhand car dealership. "It was near my office, so I'm sure I can go with you and show you the actual place. We can even take a walk before we catch the bus." She chomped down on a particularly juicy piece of chicken, savoring the taste before swallowing.
For a brief moment, Julie's eyes drifted towards Spence, who was standing nearby, smoking. Julie wasn't sure if Spencer would join them for the impromptu feast, given his current preoccupation with his cigarette.
"Uh... Is she drunk already?" Julie questioned the group, her voice laced with concern. Lia's behavior had taken an unexpected turn, and she was starting to act like.... someone under the influence of alcohol. The least Julie could do, if Amelia was truly asleep, was to let her rest in her room, as it was conveniently located near the pool. Alternatively, if Rowdy was able to eventually help, Julie would be ready to assist in bringing Amelia upstairs.